The hat donation, which came from the Ashburton Cancer Society Support Group, was given to the school, with a roll of 440 pupils, by Cancer Society Mid Canterbury’s health promoter Mandy Casey and volunteer Sally Field, along with a sunscreen spike for sports days or school excursions and two litres of sunscreen.
Mrs Casey said the start of the school year saw many new pupils arriving from sun smart primary schools, where it was policy to have a hat when outside on the grounds, so it was a good time to encourage them to continue the good behaviour.
Between September and April, between 10am and 4pm, when children were at school, were the times when ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels were most harmful. Most skin cancers are caused by excess exposure to UV rays and it was important to be sun smart during these times.
Pupils were also reminded about being sun-safe by slipping on a tee-shirt, slopping on suncream, slapping on a hat and wrapping on sunglasses when out and about during the summer days. And, as an added sun smart practice, about wearing hats but seeking shade where possible.
